Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

HMRC launches official protection scheme for Spirits in the UK

Published:  13 January, 2014

In order to better protect Spirits in the European Union, the Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme has been launched beginning with Scotch Whisky on January 10, 2014, in order to protect different Spirits from fraudulent and sub-standard products that are made in the UK.

According to the H&M Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website, "The Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme is designed to safeguard the reputation and authenticity of UK spirit drinks with a Geographical indication and will start by assuring the processes involved in the production of Scotch Whisky."

Further the new scheme expects that "each cycle of verification will take approximately two years and when complete details of verified production facilities, processes and brands will be published online."

The scheme is specific to spirit drink that is protect under EU legislation as a product of Geographical Identification (GI).

HMRC is the designated authority for the UK, and in order to apply for verification producers will need to apply to HMRC.  HMRC will then verify that production facilities, the proper distillation and fermentation processes are adhered to including maturation, blending, bottling and labelling, and will also manage bulk importers and brands. 

It is important to note that enforcement of the new scheme will not be HMRC, but food authorities and port health authorities, which are listed on the Food Standards Agency website.  HMRC will pass relevant information on the appropriate authorities for actions if need be.

Scotch Whisky, the first product to implemented under the scheme, began on January 10 and HMRC "needs GI verification applications from anyone involved in the pro0duction and bulk importation of Scotch Whisky."

Further the HMRC website urges those who are part of the Scotch Whisky business to fill out the verification forms. HMRC said, "Whether you are located in the UK or elsewhere, you will need to apply to HMRC for verification electronically, using the online forms. If you do not apply to have the processes listed below verified, you will be unable to market your product within the EU, subject to transitional arrangements laid out in the technical guidance note."

Bulk importers are urged to apply immediately for verification and others have an open application that will close on June 30, 2015.  For brands of Scotch Whisky that are looking to apply the brand details will not be published online until the end of the first verification cycle, which is expected to be in January, 2016.

For more information and application forms please click here.

Keywords: